get if I mortify pride and embrace humility, especially for the end that I seek, which is to purify my soul.
1. These benefits are comprehended in our Saviour Christ's promise, when He said, "He that shall humble himself shall be exalted," [1] in which He sets down three great benefits which He does to those who truly humble themselves — freeing them from the miseries into which they have fallen, preserving in them the graces and excellences which they have received, and exalting anew to others that are greater; so that those who humble themselves with a contrite heart for having sinned, are exalted by Christ in the very same respect in which they humble themselves. For He pardons them their sins, frees them from the punishment they deserved, gives them His grace and charity, exalts them to the dignity of the sons of God, hears their prayers, and fills them with great gifts. For "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." [2] King Achab, because he humbled himself before Almighty God, was delivered from the chastisement that was menaced him. [3] The Publican was justified for his humility, the Pharisee being reproved for his pride. [4]
2. In like manner the just, by humbling themselves, are exalted by God in justice itself, augmenting their sanctity, and the gifts of grace and the honour and glory which they merit by it. And hereupon says the Wise man, " The greater thou art the more humble thyself in all things, and thou shalt find grace before God [5] as our blessed Lady the Virgin did, and was exalted to be the mother of Almighty God; [6] and the Son of God Himself became man to destroy pride, and to give example of humility; and because He humbled Himself more than all men He was exalted above all the heavens. [7]
